Starting July 1, Grand Rapids will begin removing four downtown dams in a two-year effort to restore the natural rapids that gave the city its name. But officials are still studying how to remove a fifth dam and still keep out invasive sea lamprey.
West Michigan
Posted inMichigan Government
Scabies outbreak puts more than half of Michigan prison under quarantine
More than a dozen cases of scabies have placed four of six housing units at the Muskegon Correctional Facility under quarantine, suspending visits to affected areas.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan loves a ‘river story.’ But happy ending isn’t guaranteed
Michigan’s rivers are back from the brink — and play a pivotal role in state life. From dams to fish and pollution to development, they face a host of challenges that Bridge is exploring in a summerlong series.
Posted inQuality of Life
Detroit fuels Michigan population gain. See new Census numbers for your town
Detroit added more than 5,000 residents for the second year in a row, but some other communities lost ground, according to new US Census estimates. Use our searchable database to look up your town.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan may force hospitals to disclose savings from drug cost program
The federal 340B program was meant to reduce drug costs for providers, allowing them, in turn, to reduce the cost of care for patients. That can include lower prescription prices. But, according to some critics, it’s lining the budgets of big hospital systems. Others argue it’s keeping the little guys afloat.
Posted inMichigan Government, Michigan Health Watch
They sought help for son with mental illness. He ended up in jail
Law enforcement officers are on the front lines of Michigan’s mental health crisis. Advocates are pushing reforms.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan lawmakers ponder dam safety reforms, but ask who will pay
A state House committee on Wednesday considered legislation that would toughen Michigan’s dam safety standards. But one questioned whether the legislation would just be ‘another unfunded mandate.’
Posted inBusiness Watch
Bill Ford: Michigan is ‘headed in wrong direction’
The auto executive calls on business leaders in Grand Rapids to help improve the state’s business climate. Ford also said he hopes onshoring auto suppliers will help the state.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Trying to get outdoors in Michigan? After floods, still many places to avoid
When the weather warms in Michigan, many people start spending more time outside. But right now, more than 60 recreation spots for hiking, camping, boating and more are closed due to severe flooding.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan schools get creative, competitive, to curb high absenteeism
Michigan schools want to boost the number of students regularly showing up for class. Can competitions help boost attendance?